1. Memorize your uoAccess credentials
There are two parts to your credentials: your uoAccess ID, or the shortened name before the @ in your uOttawa email address, and your temporary password, which you need to change when you log into uoZone for the first time if you haven’t already.
These credentials will give you access to all kinds of uOttawa services, like your uOttawa email account, Brightspace / Virtual Campus, the Library and much more. Don’t forget this information — you’ll need it every time you log in.
2. Use your new email account
Once you’ve logged into uoZone for the first time, you’ll get a uOttawa email account in addition to your personal account.
To use this account, log into Outlook. And make sure you keep a close eye on your inbox. That’s where you’ll find all messages from uOttawa and your faculty, official announcements, information on courses and events, and even The Gee — your student newsletter.
Pro tip: Download the Outlook app on your phone so you don’t miss anything.
3. Get your computer ready
For everything from virtual meetings to independent research or even some exams, your computer is a vital tool.
Make sure it meets the minimum requirements: an up-to-date operating system (Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma for Apple), 512 GB of SSD space, 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor.
Your computer also needs to be able to connect to the internet and have a built-in camera, microphone and speakers. Check the technical specifications your computer needs today to save yourself a ton of frustration when classes start.
Need a new computer? Through uOttawa, you can get great deals from the Apple Education Store and Dell Student Discounts.
Pro tip: Beware of scams! Scroll to find out what you can do to protect yourself against cyberattacks.
4. Get to know uoZone and Brightspace
These two sites are your best friends at uOttawa.
Your student portal is uoZone. You’ve already used it for course selection, but there’s lots more it can do for you. Have a look around now to discover some helpful resources, especially under the “Applications” tab. From scholarship and bursary applications to the CGPA calculator, uoZone has everything you need to get ready for student life!
Brightspace / Virtual Campus is where you can access your courses, evaluations and even discussion forums with fellow students! And you can take self-paced courses for career development — just look under the “Discover” tab.
5. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
To access most of uOttawa’s online services, like uoZone or Brightspace, you need to go through an extra layer of security — this is known as MFA. MFA involves proving your identity using the Microsoft Authenticator app. This step comes after you enter your password, and it helps keep your accounts safe.
Download the app on your phone now, follow the instructions to sign into your student account and make sure you always have your phone with you.
Pro tip: If your phone isn’t compatible with Authenticator, make an IT request for a special device (a.k.a. a physical token). The token will generate a code you can use to confirm your identity.
6. Install Microsoft Teams and Zoom on your phone
Most information sessions and online courses will be held on these platforms. To make sure you never miss a meeting, download the apps on your phone, and sign into your student account.
7. Explore Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is free to all uOttawa students. Access Microsoft 365 with your student account, and use it to store all your information (assignments, course notes, etc.) during your time at uOttawa. Besides familiar software like Word and PowerPoint, you’ll find some tools you may be less familiar with, like OneNote and Bookings, which can boost your productivity.
8. Use your Outlook calendar to stay organized
Having multiple calendars in multiple places can get confusing very quickly. Synchronize your course schedule, upcoming events and important dates in your Outlook calendar, near the top-left corner of the app’s interface.
Pro tip: To make sure you don’t forget any of uOttawa’s important dates and deadlines, add a custom colour for them in your calendar.
9. Download Brightspace Pulse to never miss an update
With one simple notification on your phone, you can ensure no exam date passes you by. This free, super handy app connects you to Brightspace so you can view information on your courses as well as your grades directly on your phone.
10. Download SecurUO on your phone to stay aware
SecurUO warns you about emergencies on campus and allows you to contact uOttawa’s Protection Services if you need help.
Pro tip: Use the app’s Virtual Friend Walk feature to share your location with someone you trust so they can track you until you reach your destination.
11. Download the uoWellness app to support your mental health
Discover uoWellness, your personalized tool to help you be well on campus. Tips, daily missions, chats with peer wellness helpers, information on upcoming events — it’s all at your fingertips so you can work at your own pace to take care of your mental health!
12. Sign up for Free Food Alert notifications
When your phone gets a Free Food Alert notification, there’s free food up for grabs somewhere on campus! This new initiative helps you eat healthy, save money and fight food waste.
13. Follow us on social media
Now that you’re a uOttawa student, you’ll likely want to know about everything that’s happening on campus. Start by following @uottawacampus on Instagram. Then, check out your faculty’s profile, your student union’s Instagram, your student association’s socials or even your prospective clubs’ accounts.
You’ll soon find out how useful a tool Instagram can be in navigating campus life!
14. Your digital tools on campus
Once you’re on campus, connect to the internet via the Eduroam wireless network. To do so, enter your username (your full email address) and your uoAccess password.
If you need to print, scan or photocopy a document, use one of the 51 self-service printers on campus.
15. Access IT support
Reminder: No matter how far from campus you are, you have access to campus tech support even before classes start. If you need help, contact the IT Service Desk. Our team will be happy to assist you.